“[Padma’s All American] is dedicated to immigrant families and their cuisines in the midst of continuing political dehumanization of the very people who make the United States’ culinary culture far richer than it would be without Mexican, Indian, Iranian, and so many other influences. Lakshmi beautifully articulates what it means for her to use food as a lens into other people’s lives and cultures, and she gives voices to those whose daily lives are full of spices and specialties that many readers might, at first glance, view as unfamiliar. She draws on her own experiences to demystify practices, noting, for instance, that frying spices can seem intimidating but is a simple skill that she learned as a child. Throughout the book, she shares stories, many from Taste the Nation, and offers recipes that are meticulously written to ensure readers’ success when trying new ingredients or cooking methods. . . . A love letter to the diversity of the United States, written through food.”
—Library Journal (starred)
“[Lakshmi] collects stories of immigrants—war brides, refugees, students—and honors their culinary contributions….Recipes, organized by course, all come with a backstory….Beautiful photography and step-by-step instructions will tempt home cooks to try a new world of recipes, and Lakshmi's suggested pantry staples (chilis, herbs, oils) will make flavors pop. Delicious food and unforgettable immigrant stories will broaden and enrich readers' culinary repertoire, strengthening bonds among all who call America home.”
—Booklist (starred)
“Colorful, lush and diverse, Padma Lakshmi’s latest cookbook, explores what American food looks like through a modern lens, highlighting many cultures and traditions and lovingly focusing on the immigrants who brought them here….Throughout, Lakshmi intermingles stories about her own experiences with those of the individuals and communities that have generously shared their recipes with her. As she explains,
she called this book Padma’s All American because it is her vision of what it means to be—and eat like—an American. The result is a volume that Lakshmi’s many fans will treasure.”
—BookPage
“In Padma’s All American, she presents dishes from more than 20 different cuisines, from Afghani to American Indian, plus some family favorites passed down from her mother and grandmother. It’s a spicy blend….The heart of her cookbook lies in the recipes inspired by recent immigrants, perfect examples of their skill and resourcefulness in adapting their cuisines to their new homeland.”
—Andrew Coe, Wall Street Journal
“I love this book so much—the wisdom, the welcome, the quality of Padma’s writing, the depth of her shared experiences, and, oh my God, the recipes. This book makes me feel as if she is gently and boldly cooking right beside me.”
—Anne Lamott
“No cookbook has ever made me cry. Until now. This book is filled with heartwarming stories of joy and resilience that made my eyes fill with tears. Then I ran into the kitchen to cook Padma’s startlingly original recipes: they instantly became part of my permanent repertoire.”
—Ruth Reichl
“Padma pushes past the familiar borders of American cooking, telling the immigrant stories that season the nation’s table. It’s American food in its truest form. . . . borderless, fearless, and extraordinarily delicious.”
—Yotam Ottolenghi
“Padma’s All American celebrates what makes the food in this country so special—the people who’ve come from all across the globe and brought their culture with them. These stories, filtered through Padma’s unique perspective, bring to life the vibrant recipes that make up the tapestry of American cuisine. Her reassuring warmth and clear instructions give me the confidence to dive into dishes I’ve never attempted or tasted before, like Amazonian tamales (made with grated yuca!) and aash, a hearty Afghan noodle soup.”
—Sohla El-Waylly
“An honest and mouthwatering ode to the many cuisines and cultures that define what it is to be American, as tasted and tested by the one, the only--Padma. As I flip through the pages of this cookbook, I've never wanted to dive into my own kitchen and 'cook like an American' more.”
—Molly Baz
